second-rate
/ˌsekənd ˈreɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌsekənd ˈreɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌse-kən(d)-ˈrāt/ (ame, mw)
second-rate — adjective
1. Describes something that is clearly below the usual standard of quality, skill,
Describes something that is clearly below the usual standard of quality, skill, or performance, especially when compared with others of the same type.
The hotel gave us a second-rate room with a broken air conditioner and noisy pipes.
attributive use: second-rate + noun (room)
Critics called the film second-rate, pointing out the weak script and poor acting.
Kenji refused to buy second-rate tools, knowing they would break within a month.
The restaurant served second-rate food that was nothing like the fresh meals they advertised.
After hiring a second-rate plumber, Priya had to call a real expert to fix the leak properly.
- mediocre
Milder; suggests something is unremarkable rather than actively bad ('a mediocre meal')
- inferior
Stronger and more technical, often used in formal comparisons ('inferior materials')
- substandard
Focuses on failing to meet a minimum requirement or regulation ('substandard housing')
- poor
More general and widely used, from weak quality to serious lack ('poor workmanship')
- first-rate
Top quality; the direct opposite in the 'rate' scale
- excellent
Very high standard, much better than average
- superior
Above average, often used in direct comparison
文法句型
second-rate + noun
be + second-rate
用法筆記
Carries a distinctly negative and dismissive tone — stronger than 'not very good' but milder than 'terrible'. Can be used both before a noun ('a second-rate actor') and after a linking verb ('the work is second-rate').